First Naples PrideFest underway

The theme for the first year is We Are ONE (#WeAreOne) and encourages the entire Southwest Florida community to unite as one and recognize the importance of equal rights for everyone no matter their gender identity, sexual preference, race, ethnicity or religion.

“Collier County has made great strides in recognizing LGBTQ issues, but there is still a long way to go,” said Cori Craciun, Naples Pride president. “We felt a momentum building and realized it was time for Naples to have its first Pride. It is long overdue.”

Naples Pride is scheduled for 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Cambier Park in downtown Naples. Entrance to the event is a $5 donation. Pride organizers hope to raise money to set up an emergency fund to aid members of the LBGTQ community in critical need.

There will also be children’s games and more than 40 vendors offering food, beer, and merchandise.

Several guest speakers are scheduled, among them Abby Wambach, two-time Olympic gold medalist in soccer, FIFA Women's World Cup champion and six-time winner of the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year award. Her wife, Glennon Doyle Melton, is a NY Times best-selling author and Oprah Winfrey Book Club pick.

Nonprofit organizations serving the LGBTQ community will provide information and education about their community services.

The founders want to create an all-inclusive, family-friendly, welcoming event.

“We are experiencing a turbulent and arduous time that necessitates more unifying events such as Pride,” said Dr. Clint Potter, Pride Vice President. “Now, more than ever, we need to show respect and compassion for one another.”

Collier Freedom, a nonprofit non-partisan grass roots organization that has planned many marches over the last several months, felt it was time to join cities across the nation in celebrating Pride. Collier Freedom enlisted the help of the Rainbow Pages, which publishes an LGBTQA publication, and provides a free app and website on LGBTQA issues; and several others involved in the community.

“Collier Freedom has done so much in the last six months to support equal rights, and I’m glad they recognized the need for a Pride event and took action,” said Michelle Hudson, publisher of the Rainbow Pages.

“I’m honored the group asked us to get involved in this historic event. We need more events that celebrate our differences, highlight social issues, combat discrimination and promote unity.”